Bruxism or teeth grinding

Do you have the habit of clenching your teeth and ever wonder why you do so? or sometimes, you might not even realized that you were clenching your teeth; however, you had landed up with jaw pain? Well, then here I am to explain why you do so and how could it be rectified.

What are all the possible reasons for bruxism and how to rectify them?

As said bruxism is nothing but teeth clenching, there are some possible connections with your dental abnormalities or sometimes, with your mental health linked with this condition.

Foremost reason could be misaligned teeth structure. When your teeth occlusion is not properly oriented, it could forcefully lead you to prefer an altered bite for comfort. However this changed position would ultimately weaken your temporomandibular joint and its surrounding masticatory muscles. If this is your case, then you need to undergo orthodontic treatment. Braces are the best way to rectify misalignment. Without correcting this route cause, it is impossible to avoid bruxism.

Stress and situational anxiety are an another important cause for bruxism. Unconsciously you will tend to clench your teeth to dissipate your frustration or anger. Chronic depression or sometimes, personality types like aggressiveness, competitive or hyperactive could cause to brux. However, in most instance these are self corrected one and does not require medical intervention. Just that you need to understand and accept your change in behavior and put yourself to resolve it. Changing your lifestyle is one best way to overcome depression. Do what you like rather than losing yourself. By consciously remembering your abnormal bite force, and taking steps to avoid them is an another way of controlling bruxing habit. But in some cases, you might require a night guard when you clench your teeth during sleep or incase you clench so much that have affected your TMJ badly.

Tightening of masticatory muscles and exerting pain in the cheek region

Damage to the inside portion of cheek mucosa

repetitive dull headache originating from the temple region

Well, if you are facing any of the above symptoms, then it is time to consider bruxism. In mild cases you can handle by yourself, if not, in moderate to severe condition it’s better to seek for medical support at the earliest.